The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) draws its professional membership from around the world, though most of its executives hail from the central United States. The NWFA offers a variety of training programs in many aspects of wood flooring installation, including factory-finished flooring, sanding and finishing, and sub-floor preparation. These courses, as well as those in wood flooring inspection, are offered at beginner and expert levels. Courses are offered in New York City, Las Vegas and Chesterfield, Missouri, just west of St. Louis.
Based in Pendleton, South Carolina, The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) offers most of its courses there as well as elsewhere in the South and Midwest. The CTEF's principal program leads to certification as a Certified Tile Installer, offered to those with at least two years of experience in tile installation. The Foundation also offers more advanced courses in the principles of ceramic tile, mortaring shower bases and ceramic tile inspection. CTEF also offers custom-designed educational courses for more specific aspects of tile installation.
Forbo Flooring Systems, based in Hazelton, Pennsylvania, makes linoleum as well as vinyl and textile flooring. Forbo also offers programs in the installation of their flooring materials, at training centers there and in Reno, Nevada and Dallas, Texas. Programs are available at both an associate's and master's level, to which students are assigned based on an entrance exam. Hotel reservations, meals, and transportation during the time of the course are covered by tuition. Smaller programs are also offered at Forbo's locations nationwide.
FCITS, located in Dalton, Georgia, was originally founded as the Floor Covering Institute of Technical Services, but has since changed its name to reflect its focus on inspection. The Institute offers intensive classes on inspecting carpet and hard surfaces, including wood, vinyl, rubber, and linoleum. FCITS also provides an opportunity for commercial certification in inspection.